World Kindness Day: Random Acts of Kindness
While "World Kindness Day" is celebrated around the world, it's not yet well-known in the US. Let's change that! This special day, occuring on November 13 every year, invites us to reflect on a notion that is often overlooked yet is essential for life in society.
The holiday originated in Japan in the 60s with the aim of encouraging friendliness and kind gestures, no matter how small, between people - friends and strangers alike. The movement then spread to other countries, so in 1998 the holiday was formalized during a conference in Tokyo.
Kindness, where are you?
It's almost sad such a holiday is necessary - we should be kind to people on a daily basis without needing to be reminded! Yet somehow, in everyday language, the word "nice" sometimes has a negative connoation. People sometimes use it as a description of a person when they don't have any other outstanding qualities. Or sometimes it can even be perceived as a sign of naivete or weakness. What a shame! Since was being nice a bad thing?
However, we can choose to view it another way. Being kind fulfills you in a way that no amount of wealth or power can. It brings smiles to people's faces and makes our lives more enjoyable. Being kind to someone else makes you feel better yourself.
It can be as simple as sending an ecard: a few minutes of our time is enough to spread smiles and good humor to those around us. So why wait until Sunday? Send a card today and show the people around you that you value them and are happy to have them in your life.
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